Criminal Defense

Options if You’re Facing Charges with Mental Illness

By San Diego Attorney on April 20, 2023

If you are accused of a crime, your San Diego criminal defense attorney may ask you to get a psychiatric evaluation to determine your true frame of mind when the alleged act was committed. This could have a significant bearing on how your case will proceed.

Your attorney might choose to seek a pretrial diversion. This would allow you to complete a psychological treatment plan in lieu of criminal proceedings and jail time. When the terms of the plan are completed, the charges against you will be dismissed.

What is a Deferred Entry of Judgment (DEJ)?

By San Diego Attorney on April 10, 2023

Deferred entry of judgment (DEJ) is a program where the defendant pleads guilty, but the charges will be dismissed if they fulfill a probationary agreement that includes a treatment program and other conditions.

If the defendant fails to complete the terms of the agreement, the charges will be reinstated. At this point, the defendant will not be able to challenge the charges, and the judge is allowed to apply the maximum sentence for the offense that was charged.

What Do Police Look for to Spot DUIs?

By San Diego Attorney on April 5, 2023

Any time a police officer pulls a driver over or responds to the scene of an accident, they’re conducting an investigation. One of the main things they’re looking for is signs of driver intoxication.

When you get pulled over, the officer is scrutinizing everything you say and do. You’ll always want to be polite when talking to an officer who pulls you over, but you don’t have to tell them anything that could incriminate you and you aren’t required to take a roadside sobriety test.

How California’s Sex Offender Registry Affects Those Listed

By San Diego Attorney on March 30, 2023

If you have been charged with a sex offense in California, you may be required to register as a sex offender if convicted. This is a penalty to be avoided if at all possible. Sex offender registration has far-reaching consequences that can impact every aspect of your life.

Domestic Violence Allegations During Divorce

By San Diego Attorney on March 20, 2023

Divorce can bring out the worst in the best of us. It is not uncommon for a spouse to make false allegations of domestic violence against the other spouse during a divorce. There may be several possible motivations for accusations of domestic abuse, including revenge, jealousy, the desire to gain an advantage in court, or to get the upper hand in a child custody dispute. Regardless of the motivation, if you are dealing with domestic violence allegations during a divorce, it is in your best interests to speak with an experienced San Diego domestic violence defense attorney as soon as possible.

Common Hit-and-Run Legal Defenses

By San Diego Attorney on March 10, 2023

Commonly known as hit-and-run, leaving the scene of an accident is a serious offense in California. If convicted of a felony hit-and-run that involves non-serious injury, you could be facing a minimum of 90 days and up to a year in county jail, fines ranging from $1,000 to $10,000, restitution to the victim, and two points on your California driving record. If a victim of the hit-and-run accident was seriously or permanently injured or killed, you could be facing two, three, or four years in state prison. If you have been charged with leaving the scene of an accident, consult with an experienced San Diego hit-and-run defense attorney as soon as possible.

DUI in a Bus or Multi-Passenger Vehicle

By San Diego Attorney on February 25, 2023

Any DUI charge can be a very serious legal problem – but when the incident involves a bus or other multi-passenger vehicle, the consequences are worse. The driver of a bus or multi-passenger vehicle is held to a higher standard, as these drivers are responsible for the lives of many other people.

Charged with DUI while operating a commercial passenger vehicle? Call our San Diego commercial DUI defense lawyer immediately at (760) 630-2000.

When You’re Arrested for Retaliating Against an Abuser

By San Diego Attorney on February 15, 2023

Victims of ongoing domestic abuse who eventually fight back against an abuser may be facing criminal charges. This shocking state of affairs came about due to the extremely harsh set of laws regarding domestic abuse in California.

Arrested on a domestic violence charge after retaliating against an abuser in San Diego? Contact jD LAW Criminal Defense Attorney today at (760) 630-2000.

What If Someone Accuses You of Gaslighting Them?

By San Diego Attorney on February 10, 2023

Gaslighting is the act of psychologically manipulating another person to the point that they begin to doubt their sanity. The essence of gaslighting is to exercise control over another person, and may include denying an incident even occurred. When gaslighting is associated with acts of domestic violence, it poses problems both for the accused and the alleged victim.

What If I Had Kids in My Car While DUI?

By San Diego Attorney on January 30, 2023

DUI charges can disrupt your life significantly, especially if your actions caused an accident. You may face fines, jail time, or a suspended license if you are convicted of driving under the influence. Things can get significantly worse if you have kids in the car while driving under the influence. Judges and prosecutors will often consider you a threat to public safety and may also charge you with child endangerment. Child abuse charges are also common for DUI offenders with children on board. Read on to learn about DUI charges with kids in your car and the possible consequences.